THE EFFECT OF SOURCE OF PRENATAL-CARE ON CARE-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AMONG ADOLESCENTS

This study measured the extent to which pregnancy outcomes of adolescents are related to the environment of the prenatal clinic where they receive care. The study sample consisted of women aged 18 years and under living in a medium-sized urban city in the Northeast, and who delivered their babies during 1984 or 1985 (N = 466). Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. Findings support the study's hypotheses: adolescents are likely to obtain more adequate care if the prenatal site is attractive and inviting, and if special efforts are made to register and retain them in care, and adequate care results in better outcomes.